14 August 2020
A newly completed bridge funded jointly by the Australian Government and Southern Downs Regional Council on Upper Forest Springs Road will make a big difference to the daily lives of the local community with improved access and safety.
The upgraded concrete structure was today officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, Deputy Leader of the Federal National Party The Hon. David Littleproud.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi welcomed the opening of the new bridge and said that the upgrade would improve both the road safety network and safety of road users and also allow better access to the community for emergency services.
“The new concrete Upper Forest Springs Road Bridge will make a big difference to the everyday lives of the Forest Spring residents and surrounding communities,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“This bridge services not only residents, but farmers and producers, and is a vital piece of infrastructure that keeps the local community connected and moving.
“Council will continue to seek funding opportunities to replace a number of old timber bridges within our road network and undertake important bridge repairs.”
“While road safety is everyone’s responsibility, Council is committed to building better, safer bridges across our region for all road users, whether they are locals or visitors who travel here to enjoy everything that our unique locality has to offer,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Southern Downs Regional Council secured $301,400 from the Australian Government’s Bridge Renewal Program Round 4 to replace the existing timber bridge with the new concrete structure.
The Bridges Renewal Program is an Australian Government initiative to fund the upgrade and replacement of bridges across Australia to enhance access for local communities and facilitate higher productivity vehicle access.